Bird M. Pearson facts for kids
Bird Murphy Pearson (sometimes spelled Byrd Murphy Pearson) was an important figure in Florida's history. He was a lawyer, a farmer (called a planter back then), and a politician from the Democratic Party. He became a judge on the Florida Supreme Court from 1856 to 1859. He was one of the first judges chosen by public vote. He even became the main judge, called the Chief Justice, taking over from Thomas Baltzell. Bird Murphy Pearson was born in 1803 and passed away on October 9, 1859.
Early Life and Homes
Bird Murphy Pearson was born in 1803 in Union District, South Carolina. He went to South Carolina College. Instead of going to law school, he "read law," which meant he studied law by working with an experienced lawyer.
Not much is known about his early law work. However, he did work as a state lawyer (called a solicitor) in South Carolina. For a while, he lived in Faunsdale, Alabama. There, he built a large farm, known as a plantation.
In 1845, he moved to Hernando County, Florida. He built another plantation near Brooksville, Florida. This plantation is now called Chinsegut Hill Manor House. It is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its historical importance.
A Career in Law and Politics
Bird Murphy Pearson strongly believed in the idea of "states' rights." This meant he thought individual states should have more power than the national government. He also supported the practice of slavery and the idea of states leaving the United States (called secession). Because of these strong beliefs, he attended an important meeting called the Nashville Convention in 1850.
In 1851, he moved to Jacksonville, Florida. He thought about running for the Florida Supreme Court in 1853. However, people felt it was too early. This was because most people in Florida still strongly supported staying part of the United States (the Union).
In 1855, he decided to run for a judge position. This spot became open after another judge, Thomas Douglas, passed away. Bird Murphy Pearson won the election and served on the Florida Supreme Court. Sadly, he didn't run for re-election because he was not well. He passed away in Jacksonville on October 9, 1859.
